Flintoff and Muralitharan sign for Woodworm

The Woodworm Cricket Company today announced the signing of Andrew Flintoff and Muttiah Muralitharan. The signing of two such high-profile players follows a successful launch of the company in May 2002. In a sport renowned for conservatism and tradition, the revolutionary new Woodworm Wand has already made a significant breakthrough and is now known by most international cricketers.

The Woodworm Cricket Company has removed what it calls a "vulnerable" part of the blade and has re-distributed the wood into a larger and heavier hitting zone. "Batsmen never intend to hit the ball off the area where we have removed the wood - any such contact is inadvertent. The wood is much better off in the right place," says Woodworm's founder and Managing Director, Joe Sillett. "The first thing everyone says about the Woodworm Wand is how cool the bat looks." "The second thing they say is how light the pick-up is." "The third thing they say is does it work?" Sillett argues that the case is irrefutable. "Russel Arnold averages over 40 with the Woodworm Wand and has enjoyed a terrific run of form recently in the VB series in Australia. The Wisden UK School's all-rounder of the year, Andries Kruger of Christ's Hospital School, scored 835 runs with the Woodworm Wand. It seems to have received universal approval from all quarters."

"I get emails from all over the world saying how impressed people are with the new design." "In our online survey, 85% of people said that cricket was crying out for a new idea," he added.

In signing Flintoff, who is on track to be fit for the 2003 World Cup, Woodworm has signalled its intent to introduce a fresh buzz of excitement into the game of cricket. Woodworm saw off the competition who all wanted to capture Flintoff's signature. "Freddie is the perfect embodiment of the Woodworm brand. He's ebullient, competitive and has a big future," said Sillett. Chubby Chandler, Flintoff's agent of International Sports Management agrees, "We manage a number of international cricketers who use a range of manufacturers' products. When looking at the character of Freddie and the charisma of Woodworm, it was clear that it was the right brand for the right player."

The signing of the Sri Lankan spin-king, Muttiah Muralitharan is also a marker for Woodworm's global intentions. Sillett added, "Murali is a global icon, recognised by cricket lovers everywhere. His enthusiasm is infectious and we are thrilled to have him on board. He will be modelling a range of Woodworm equipment, in particular the new Woodworm footwear which we are currently developing."

The Woodworm Cricket Company sells its patented Wand cricket bats in addition to a complete range of cricket equipment. For more information about The Woodworm Cricket Company, please visit www.woodworm.tv